When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
If you have stained teeth or even a chipped tooth, veneers are a great option to help cover up any imperfections and give you a nice, bright smile. Veneers come in several different types of material and the principle is the same as applying a fake fingernail over your nails, except that it's more permanent. Dental veneers are fairly easy to apply, affordable, and can give your teeth an attractive coating that's easy to maintain. If you're considering getting dental veneers, here is what you need to know.
Types
The two most common materials used for dental veneers are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are stain and chip resistant and look very similar to natural teeth. Your dentist will perform a color matching procedure and shape measurement to ensure that the ceramicist creates the veneer to perfectly match your other teeth. The dentist will send your results to a lab where they create the veneer and then you must return to have them apply it. For composite resin veneers, the procedure is performed right on site. The dentist will place a soft composite bonding material over your tooth and shape it to fit. Then, once the composite has dried, you'll have a new smooth surface over your existing teeth. This type of veneer is less expensive than porcelain but it may not resist staining or chipping quite as well because it is a softer material.
Care
In order for your veneers to last a long time, it's up to you to properly maintain them and perform good oral hygiene. Avoid chewing on hard things like ice or even pen caps to prevent the veneers from chipping or cracking. Do not bite your nails and if you tend to grind your teeth at night, get a protective mouth guard to help keep you from grinding your teeth in your sleep. Always brush and floss your teeth in the morning and before bedtime, and preferably after every meal whenever possible. This helps to prevent the tooth underneath the veneer from rotting, which can cause the coating to eventually loosen and fall off. Be especially aware whenever you play any contact sports or other vigorous activities and wear mouth guards if you can to prevent damage to the veneers in the event of an injury. Regular visits to your dentist can help ensure you're getting a thorough cleaning and they can also check on the status of your veneers to look for any signs of possible wear and tear that need to be corrected.
Share5 May 2016
